Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Milwaukee is 14% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,033/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 3%
$51,888/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 12%
$172,000 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 27%
$1,082/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 9%
569,756
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,043/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Milwaukee slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Syracuse?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $35/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Syracuse?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $6,043/year higher in Milwaukee.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and New York?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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